Communicable Illness Management

In tight-knit communities, public health connects us all, for better or worse. A campus of our size and complexity regularly experiences public health challenges requiring well-organized planning and decisive response.

Outbreaks of infectious diseases and communicable illnesses – such as an influenza epidemic, measles, mumps, norovirus, and sexually transmitted illnesses (STIs), and even outbreaks that occur elsewhere, like Ebola and Zika virus – require multifaceted management strategies and education campaigns to minimize the risk of contagion.

Strategies include:

Immunizations, including those required for new students, recommended for travel, and protective during annual flu season

Screening and early intervention for illnesses such as TB, hepatitis B, and sexually transmitted infections

Population monitoring for disease/symptom clusters

Monitoring of public health issues outside of Ithaca, and their actual or potential impact on our community

Educational campaigns related to prevention and self-care

Protocols and safety drills for health services staff, and tabletop exercises with campus and local health care partners

Communication strategies and media outreach to provide information during times of crisis or worry